The Game

Is it a trampoline... a drinking game? No... well what is it?

Spikeball is the best thing in your life. Got it?

The easiest way to explain it is to compare it to volleyball. Don't worry though — it's MUCH cooler than volleyball. In volleyball the goal is to hit the ball OVER the net. With Spikeball the goal is the hit the ball ON the net. With both sports you and your 1 teammate have up to 3 hits between each other to return the ball on the net. Sideout scoring (you can only score when serving) is used for Spikeball as well. One BIG difference – with volleyball you must stay on your side of the net. With Spikeball once the ball has been served, there are no sides – you can run wherever you want. First team to 21 wins, must win by two. Want more detail? Read on...

The finer points of Spikeball?

So you want to master the game of Spikeball. Well read on my friend, read on and you will have your wish. The game is played with two teams of Two (four total). To begin, each team stands on opposite sides of the net. Serving

Team One serves by hitting the ball off the net towards Team Two. Team Two has up to 3 hits between them before returning the ball to the net. (Note, it is NOT required that you use all 3 of your hits.) This continues as a volley until one team can not return the ball. Side–out scoring is used (you can only score when serving). To determine who serves first, the teams should volley. Once the game has begun, each team alternates serves between players.

Important: Once the ball is in play there are no longer “sides”. Each team member can run anywhere at any time. Teams switch serving sides once the first team has reached 11 points. The first team to 11 points usually has the most trash talking at this point.

Serving Etiquette

There are two schools of thought on serving. The “Get IT IN Play” serve means the serve should be easy enough that the opposing team can return it with little effort. This style encourages longer, more competitive rallies.

The second option “BRING THE HURT” serve means anything goes, hit as hard or as soft as you like. This method gives the serving team the advantage and makes the game more competitive.

There is no right or wrong in these two methods. Choose one that works for you and your crowd and get playing.

Scoring

1st team to 21 wins (must win by two). Use side–out scoring. If your team served and the other team cannot return your shot, you've won a point. If Team #1 serves and lost the point it is now Team #2's serve. Note: You can only score when serving.

What about...

• To avoid a brawl, the opposing team must always put forth an honest effort to get out of the way of the “hitting” team. If a solution is unclear, the point becomes a do–over.
• If your shot hits the rim it is known as a “Rimmer” and is side–out.
• If your shot hits a “pocket” (kind of on the net and kind of on the rim) you do the point over. Sorry, we don't have a clever name for this type of shot, call it a “Pocket”.
• If the ball does not bounce off the net, the point is side–out.
• In order for the ball to be in play, after hitting the net, it must clear the rim. If it doesn't it is side–out.
• Body shots are legal... for the most part. You can not use your legs but if needed you can use forearms and chest. This rule has caused quite a bit of controversy on the Spikeball circuit.
• Proceed at your own risk.

See you on the beach, Spike On!

WARNING:
Never Spike with a loose net! It can cause boredom.

“How do I properly put on the net?“
Clip the net on at each of the 5 legs. Now work your way around the rim attaching the net to each of the clips. You may have to adjust the net as you make your way around. There may be some “extra” net hanging over the edge – that's fine. The tighter the net, the farther the ball goes and the more fun you have dominating your friends.

“Is it too tight?“
If the legs are buckling and not staying on the ground then yes, your net is too tight.

Tips: Use the sand to your advantage and bury the legs about halfway up to make them more sturdy.

Want more “technical” detail?
When looking at the line of squares up/down and left/right on the net they should be in a pretty straight line. If the squares line up in a wave like fashion then you should adjust the net.